What happens if a Bible character has a smartphone? And what if they use them to record themselves directly to the camera?
Before you dismiss the idea as stupid, consider that these videos from Tiktok currently receive tens of millions of views.
Imagine even Jehovah filming himself on a smartphone. What do they want to post? This is the problem that media in this new genre explores. (obviously) not authentic, but AI-generated videos are extremely popular.
Check out Daniel reporting from the Lions' nest.
@holyvlogszIf Daniel had an iPhone…#hope #jesus #faith #daniel #lion #lionsden #biblical #veo3
There are 9 million views.
The internet is split as to whether these 60 second mockmentaries are great or blasphemous. But before we get into it, there is my list of AI Bible videos that will help you get a sense of what young Christians and non-Christians in Tiktok are watching.
ai Bible Hall
Most Viral: If Moses had an iPhone
“Pharaoh, if you're watching, this is your last chance! Let people go – or it's raining, frog, anything,” says Moses. Here, Aaron says, “Hashtag letmypeoplego!” It's strange – especially when Moses slips into an Australian accent halfway through – but it has 30 million views.
@holyvlogszIf Moses had an iPhone…❤️🩹✨ #hope #jesus #faith #moses #vlog #biblical #veo3
Best laugh (well, apart from Moses' Australian accent): If Joseph had an iPhone
The most entertaining moment comes when Pottifer's wife accuses Joseph of screaming for sexual advances. The dialogue feels a bit ridiculous as it is so packed with Gen-Z slang. But perhaps this is cautious.
@gospelglimpsingJoseph has an iPhone (faithingod) #faithingod #biblestories #jesus #hope #veo3 #faith♬Original Sound-Gospelglimpse
Most Moved: If Peter had an iPhone
This paused me. And the fact that no one would say anything stupid helped a lot.
@fortnitepro121634 If Peter has an iPhone, walk with Jesus
♬Original Sound-Chrissy💕
The Most Wrong: If Jesus Had an iPhone
There are plenty of nagging in these videos, but perhaps as much as Iesus said, “We've finished lunch, so we'll heal this lovely young man and pray for him.” Seriously? I know that some of these videos are obviously satirical, but it's not always clear which is which.
@DailyVeo3If Jesus had a phone ✝️🤳#JESUS#VEO3 #CHRIST#✝️#AI #GOD #FYP♬Original Sound-Dailyclipz
The best attempt to answer difficult questions: Why do bad things happen?
An honest attempt to answer one of the most difficult questions of faith. But it really reduces complex questions to one point. Furthermore, when people ask questions like this, they often want pastoral and human conversation. AI won't give it, but is this probably the start?
@jesusvisions Boy Question to Jesus: “Why do good things happen to good people?” #jesus #jesuslovesyou #god #godisgood #prayer #fyp
Most surprising thought-provoking: New Jerusalem explained
Does this help? Not sure, but it's oddly persuasive and there are plenty more videos like this.
@hidden.from.edenNew Jerusalem explained. See what the new Earth looks like.
Most worrying and aggressive:
I've seen some that started out like, “If Satan likes to skip this video, if Jesus stays and watches.” And judging by the comments, some people take it seriously.
The attack is subjective, but for me, the cheerful Jesus of the Cross is inappropriate (and inaccurate) that smiles and chats.
It's going viral
So why are these shorts so popular? There are three factors to consider.
First, there is the novelty shock aspect. Mixing sacred stories with Gen-Z Slang creates novelty for some.
Secondly, whether you personally like them or not, these videos are very relevant. They use proven short video formats and apply them to the Bible. Style (think comedy show) Officewhere individuals talk to the camera), create simple storytelling.
These clips contain mistakes and many people who see them simply don't know if what is depicted is biblical or not
Third, AI has now reached a level that is hardly understandable, both refinement and simplicity. These clips look sophisticated and professional, but anyone can make them. The entry barrier is never low.
And if you feel that these videos are not professionalism, be aware. This latest technology has only been in a few months. Imagine what will be possible in a year from now.
Reach new audiences
My university principal will ask whenever he comes up with a new trend: “Is the gospel positive, is it a gospel negative, or is it a neutral?” In other words, does this even hold back the kingdom of God? Or is it irrelevant?
As a pastor in a large residential area, I remember the couple who showed them their “Bible.” Bible. After seeing it, I concluded that about 40% of it was made up, but the couple had access to biblical stories they struggled to understand. And, importantly, we talked about them. That's the gospel positive.
At its best, this new genre can sometimes help you find it difficult to tell stories and imagine scenes, such as the Temple of Solomon. What is beyond the reach of the Bible can be expanded to an audience who simply never open a book.
And there are many other examples of the once thought to be radical Bibles: TV series I was chosen With that artistic license. Bible message translation is a language about its new take. Street Bible, Manga Bible… Even the first translation of Tindale's Bible into English seemed blasphemous to some.
That's entertainment
For many, this genre reduces something important to us to entertainment (and says that it can't be equivalent to other religions, perhaps “if the Prophet Mohammed had an iPhone”).
It is also racially stereotyped, packed with a handsome, Americanized, tanned face and our accents. But the biggest concern is the lack of accountability. These clips contain mistakes and are fired primarily on unknown accounts before being viewed online millions, so no one can be held liable. Many people who see them simply don't know if what is depicted is Bible or not.
This is even more of the kingdom of God, will it hold back? Or is it irrelevant?
As a pastor, I rather come to people in-person Bible studies, but most of the time it doesn't happen. Meanwhile, AI becomes stronger and broader each month.
The Bible content generated by AI is bold and culturally relevant, perfect for Tiktok's virus engine. It stimulates curiosity and makes our faith more accessible. But to be a strength for good requires thoughtful curation and integration into human-led disciples.
Better yet, our most trusted churches and biblical institutions should step into this space and bring their credibility and solid theology to what has already shaped the imaginations of millions of people.
